What is a "Constituent?"

Photo by Helena Lopes

We hear this word alot, especially from politicians and folks in the political sphere... but what does the word, "constituent" actually mean? To us, it almost sounds like, "somebody else."

To say in the most simple terms, a constituent is a voter in the community.

It is the citizen that is represented by a governmental figure to make good and sound legislative decisions on the behalf of the people living in the city, the area, and the district that they represent.

You can research who in congress is representing you here with a basic address search that will show you all the way down to your local representatives by commoncause.org.

You. are. a. constituent.

You are represented by folks paid by tax-payer funds to make policies on your behalf that will benefit the common good and the local communities. Vote in the primary elections, research candidates, go to city council and school board meetings. Being politically active does not have to be bells and whistles and loud protests (although we love that too) you can make big change by attending your local meetings and hearings and voicing what you believe you need. The changes are large but start with small steps in a positive future for our kids.

Now go get em, "constituent!"